Stage set for Noosa to come alive!

ADVERTORIAL

The stage is set for the 23^rd NOOSA alive! festival where from 18 to 27 July Noosa will come alive with 10 magical days and nights filled with theatre, music, ballet and thought-provoking performances.

Headlining the program is the world premiere of Sleeping Dogs by acclaimed Australian playwright David Williamson, directed by Ian Mackellar and starring Erik Thomson (All Saints, Packed to the Rafters). Presented across three exclusive performances at The J Theatre, the darkly funny and emotionally resonant Sleeping Dogs, is a piercing look at memory, regret and the lingering impact of the past.

Over two spectacular nights, Queensland Ballet presents a special double bill performance by its Jette Parker Young Artists. Back to Bach by Greg Horsman is an elegant return of the 2016 world premiere, while Curious Beings is a world premiere by Amelia Waller in collaboration with Dead Puppet Society. The combination is a blend of classical ballet with bold contemporary storytelling, puppetry, and imagination.

Continuing with the classics, audiences will be swept away to the grand opera houses of Europe without leaving Noosa. A Night At The Opera presents the sensational Brisbane-based trio Divina delivering some of opera’s greatest hits, including Carmen and The Magic Flute and served as an intimate dinner at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.

Two of Australia’s finest classical musicians, Sharon and Slava Grigoryan will perform works for cello and guitar at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

For those who love their music live and loud, award-winning country star Amber Lawrence will transport audiences from Noosa to Tennessee with her full band performance. The 2023 Female Artist of the Year is set to deliver a powerhouse night of high energy music infused with humour, honesty and heart.

For theatre buffs, stage and screen legend Caroline O’Connor will present her exclusive Queensland performance, My Musical Life sharing intimate stories and performing numbers from her musical career here in Australia, London, Paris and on Broadway.

The program’s literary series features three captivating conversations with food, including two exclusive Australian book launches from leading Australian authors.

In an intimate and revealing talk, Adam Courtenay (son of Bryce Courtenay) uncovers the untold story of his legendary father in this exclusive Australian launch of his latest book, My Father Bryce: the complexities, contradictions and the compulsive need to reshape reality through storytelling.

The exclusive Australian launch of Kimberley Freeman's fascinating novel, The Secret Year of Zara Holt is inspired by the life of Zara Holt, wife of Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt, whose mysterious disappearance still lingers in history.

Join bestselling author and one of Australia’s most respected authorities on modern retirement, Bec Wilson for a literary luncheon. PRIME TIME dives into the freedom, reinvention and unexpected joy of entering a new era of life. From career pivots to grandparenting with style, this thought-provoking talk reframes Wilson’s take on modern ageing and retirement.

On Saturday 26 July, follow the magical IMAGINE cocktail trail along Noosa River, where Noosa’s fabulous bars and restaurants serve up creative concoctions and local retailers showcase whimsical window displays. This is your invitation to step into a world of magic, creativity, and joy — free for all, and open to everyone. At the River Stage, catch headline act — 2025 Australian Idol Winner, Marshall Hamburger live on stage, as well as performances from Noosa’s young talent and a mystery guest artist!

View the program and book tickets now at noosaalive.com.au.